Spray applicator system for injecting starting fluid into diesel and gasoline engines



C. P. ORR

July 5, 1960 2,943,766 SPRAY APPLICATOR SYSTEM FOR INJECTING STARTINGFLUID INTO DIESEL AND GASOLINE ENGINES 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 30,1957 Jul 5, 1960 C. P ORR SPRAY APPLICATOR SYSTEM FOR INJECTING STARTINGFLUID vINTO DIESEL AND GASOLINE ENGINES Filed Dec. 30, 1957 3Sheets-Sheet 2 I: E. E

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1%3 i 2; 5 a" v .35 3 2 F "a, E /Z/ Q j ZQ A J 2 I '2 25 )2 INVENTORJuly 5, 1960 c. P. ORR

SPRAY APPLICATOR SYSTEM FOR INJECTING STARTING FLU INTO DIESEL ANDGASOLINE ENGINES 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 50, 1957 INVENTOR SPRAYAPPLICATOR SYSTEM FOR rmucrmo STARTING FLUID INTO DIESEL 'AND GASO- LINEENGINES Filed Dec. 30, 1951, Ser. N6. 705,057

6 Claims. (11. 222-180) I My invention relates broadly to startingsystems for internal combustion engines and more particularly to meansfor injecting an atomized combustible spray of starting fluid intodiesel and gasoline engines for facilitating starting in cold or dampweather.

This application is a continuation in part of my copending applicationSerial Number 522,199 filed July 15, 1955, now Patent No. 2,860,009 forFuel Atomizing Spray Device.

My application Serial Number 522,199 filed July 15, 1955 for FuelAtomizing *Spray Device discloses a structure of fuel supply andatomizing device for injecting starting fluid into the air intakepassages of gasoline and diesel engines.

' Attention is also invited to my application Serial Number 537,188filed September 28,'1955, n'ow Patent No. 2,894,716 for Engine PrimingLine Attachment for Dashboards showing an arrangement of priming lineattached to the intake manifold of an engine and extending to thedashboard of a vehicle so that the engine can be primed with an atomizedspray of starting fluid delivered to the intake ducting of an enginefrom a position adjacent the dashboard through a flexible tube extendingfrom the position of application of the atomized spray to the intakeducting of the engine.

'One of the objects of my invention is to provide an applicator for usewith diesel and gasoline engines for utilizing conventional pressurizedcans of starting fluid which may be readily installed, removed, andreplaced in the applicator for applying a starting spray in an atomizedstate to diesel and gasoline engines eifective under conditions of lowtemperature for starting such engines.

' Another object of the invention is to provide a construction ofapplicator which forms a substantially closed system with a diesel orgasoline engine for cold or damp weather starting in which an atomizedspray of starting fluid is introduced into the intake ducting of theengine without opening any-portion of the intake system to dustparticles or allowing ofiensive odors from the starting fluid to escapeinto the immediate area about the engine.

Still another object of-the invention is to provide an applicator forutilizing an atomized spray of starting fluid for starting diesel andgasoline engineszderived from p j the conventional pressurized canutilized as a pressure cartridge wherein the atomized spray may be:started and stopped and re-established at the will of the operator andStates Patent Fig. l is a diagrammatic and schematic side elevationalview with certain parts shown in vertical sections and illustrating atypical installation of controlled start:

ing fluid supply system connected with the intake ducting of an engine;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the mounting means for thepressurized fuel supply can of the installation shown in Fig. l; r

- Fig. 3 is afragmentary composite elevation and vertical sectional viewsimilar to the view illustrated in Fig. 1 but showingthe nextprogressive operational step in operating the fuel supply valve on thepressurized can for supplying fuel to the line leading to the intakeducting of the engine;

Fig. 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view through the intake ducting of theengine and showing particularly the atomizing valve which directs-thestarting fluid in a spray in a position displaced inwardly from the wallof the intake ducting;

v Fig. 6 is an enlarged transverse sectional view of the atomizing valvestructure which connects the fuel line with the intake ducting;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to the views shown in Figs. 1 and 3 butillustrating the manner in which the pressurizedcan is removed andreplaced by raising the sealing means by manual force applied at theposition F.

Fig.3 is a side elevational view of the spray button drawn on anenlarged scale;

Fig. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view taken through the spray buttonon line 9-9 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is an end view of the spray button at the scale on which Figs. 8and 9 are drawn, and

\Fig. 11 indicates on an enlarged scale the manner in which the spraybutton is secured in position with respect to the engine intake ducting.

My invention is directed to an arrangement ofapplicator which is readilyinstalled adjacent a diesel or gasoline engine for receivingconventional pressurized cans of starting fluid which may be readilyinstalled and replaced I from time to time for supplying an atomizedstarting spray of a highly combustible mixture to the intake manifold ofthe engine. The arrangement is such that a closed path is establishedfrom the pressurized can to the intake manifold of the engineeliminating leakage of the fluid or atomized spray so that no offensiveodors issue from the system. The spray may be started and stopped at thewill of the operator. The invention provides a considerable improvementover previous applications of starting fluid to engines in thatheretofore to be effective two men were required to utilize apressurized can of starting fluid efl ectively in an engine, one manbeing required to press on the starter, in-a t'ruck forinstance, and theother pressure'fed into the intake ducting of the engine at such 7engine as set forth more fully in the specification hereinafterfollowing by reference to the accompanying drawings in which: I

man being required to simultaneously spraythezfuel under the air cleanerof the engine or into the intake ducting or into a hole of the airintake manifold. Heretofore when the starting fluid spray was directedunder the air cleaner much of the fluid was lost.- This has led tothepractice of removing the air cleanerso that the pressurized can whenheld in the hand might be used to direct a spray into the open end ofthe manifold. This has the serious drawback that dust and foreign mattercan get into the manifold at the same time and ruin'the I engine. Alsoif the starting fluid is applied through a hole, in'the intake manifoldor into the intake ducting, dust can get into the engine. This inventionprovides a closed system where no dust can get into the engine and noodors from the starting spray can be distributed around the engine. Oneman can operate the system of the present invention as the release offluid from the pressurized can is remotely controlled from thedashboardor the engine control panel of the vehicle. The system is patented July5, 196() safe'as no inflammable ether gets into the air. The systemisvery eflective as the operation of the-engine can be diagnosed by carbecause guided by ear the engine may be supplied more starting fluidwhen the engine appears to -be dying and may begiven less starting fluidwhen the engine is getting rough in operation. The structure of theinvention may be-mass produced inexpensively.

The atomizing valve located in the intake ducting of the engine isdisplaced interiorly of the ducting so that the spray of fuel isintroduced at an angle of approximately 15 degrees with respect to thewall of the intake ducting in an upstream direction. This insureseffective starting by the mixture of vaporized ether and fine-liquiddroplets suspended and carried along with the air.

The-lineorflezdble tubing leading from the pressurized can to theatomized valveat. the intakeducting is maintained fullof liquid butisolated from the atomizing valve in the intake ducting by means of acheck valve. There is no waiting for the tube or line to fill up andthere is no after dribble after release. This insures a well atomizedspray during the entire discharge period. It also permits close auditivecontrol by giving more starting fluid when the engine shows signs ofstalling and stopping discharge of the starting fluid when the engineshows signs of'roughness.

My invention provides means for the-selective application of startingfluid to diesel or gasoline engines, that is, a system in which repeatedapplications of starting fluid may be given to the engine at desiredtimes. The system is not to be confused with attempts which have beenheretofore made o'f'piercing a container to provide onetime applicationof a priming medium to the engine. Such containers have been thrown awayafter each start. In the instant invention the pressurized can filledwith starting fluid is used repeatedly from time to time for effecting astarting operation until the contents of the can have been exhausted atwhich time it is necessary to renew the can by replacement of a freshcan.

Referring to the drawings in more detail reference character 1designates the pull cable which leads to the dashboard of a vehicle in aposition controllable from the drivers seat in the vehicle for operatingthe starting device of this invention. The pull cable 1 extends throughan aperture in the rear wall of a bracket 12 as shown in Fig. l which ismounted close to the engine and separated by a barrier from the driversarea. The bracket 12 provides mounting means for the pressurized can ofstarting fluid represented at 30. The can 30' is gripped by a latch-wire13 pivoted beneath the transverse shelf 12a of the bracket 12 andextended generally in a vertical direction where it is coupled as shownto a latch-handle 14 having a hook portion 14a which engages the end ofthe loop 15a of'the press-down'wire 15' which is pivoted at 1522 in thevertically extending frame members 31 supported in bracket 12. Thepress-down wire 15 carriestheseal cap 8 which'is annular in shape andprovides mounting means for the seal diaphragm 16-which is peripherallysecured iIl-POSliiOll by means of the gasket 9 peripherally fastened tothe inturned flange 8a of the seal-cap 8 by'means of' rivets 9a. Adisc-seal 10 is provided to'insurc a tightconnection between theseal-diaphragm 16 and the seal-cap 8. It will be noted that in replacinga renewal can in the-bracket 12 the sealed dia-' phragm is centered overthe top of the pressurized can in such position that the gasket 9carried by the flange 8aofthe s'eal-cap 8 servesas a sealing means forthe rim of the top of the can whil'e'the bore 11d of'thenipple-discharge meniber 11 is centered over the dischargeorifice 33.-When the pressurized can is clamped in position by downward movement ofthe'la'tch-handle 14 and inward movement of the latchwire 13 thepressurized can is securely maintained in position againstdislodgmentdue to vibration of the vehicle as shown in Fig. 2. Theupward movement of the seal-cap 8 when released by latch-handle 1'4isa'dequate-as permitted by upward movementbfthe lever 5 and theflexible plastic tube 32 to permit withdrawal of an cmptycan and thereinsertion of a fresh pressurized can.

The center of the sealdiaphragm 16 carries the nippledischarge member 11which is provided with a circular flange 11a embracing the lower surfaceof the seal-diaphragm 16 and coacting with the sealing washer 17 whichfits overithe screw threaded sleeve portion of the nippledischargemember 1-1 and bears against the upper surface of the seal-diaphragm.The sleeve portion of the nipplediscnarge member 11 is externallyscrew-threaded as represented at 11b over which the diaphragmhold-down'nut 18 is secured for maintaining the nipple-discharge member11 in a vertical position centrally of the seal-diaphragm 16. 'The upperterminus of the nipple-discharge member 11 tcrminates'in a centralfrusto-conical shaped head over which the end of the flexible plastictube 32 is fitted. An internally screw-threaded nipple 7 embraces theend of the flexible plastic tube 32 and is screwthreaded over theexternal screw threads 11b of the nipple-discharge member 11 forclamping the end of the flexible plastic tube 32 into coupledrelationship with the frusto-conical shaped head 110. Thenipple-discharge member 11 has a hollow tubular bore 11d which alignswith the hollow center of the flexible plastic tube 32 for the passageof an atomized spray therethrough. The internal bore 11d of thenipple-discharge member 11 fits over the end of the depressibledischarge valve 33 of the pressurized starting fluid can 30 for enablingthe atomized spray to be directed through the bore of thenipple-discharge member 11 and'through the frusto-conical shaped head11c and into the flexible plastic tube 32.

As heretofore explained the operation of the device is controlled by thepull cable 1 as shown in Fig. 1 from the drivers position in thevehicle. Pull cable 1 connects with the upper end of cam 2 journalled at3 on a pin mounted in the channel-shaped extension 12b connccted withbracket 12. The lower end of cam 2 engages the lever 5 which is pivotedat 5a in the channelshape'd portion 12b of the bracket 12 and isbifurcated on the end thereof as represented at 6 for embracing theflexible plastic tube 32 and engaging the end of the nipple 7 forexerting downward pressure on the assembly constituted by nipple 7,nipple-discharge member 11, the flexible plastic tube 32 connectedtherewith and the seal-diaphragm 16. This downward pressure is producedas the high point 2a of cam '2 tends to ride down on the lever 5 asshown in Fig. 3. The cam 2 is biased by means of cam spring 4- whichconnects at one end with the rear wall of bracket 12 as indicated at 12cand at the other end with a recessed portion of cam 2 as indicated at2b. In normal position the high point 2a of cam 2' is elevated fromlever 5 but upon application of a force on pull cable 1 the high point2a ofcam 2 moves against the upper surface of lever 5 therebyforcing'the bifurcated end 6 of lever '5 downwardly for depressing theatomizing valve 33 of pressurized can 30 bringing about distribution ofthe atomized spray from the contents of pressurized can 30 through theflexible plastic tube 32. The lever is of channel-shaped constructionand possesses suflicient rigidity to permit downward pressure to beapplied thereto over a sufficient distance to effect opening of the.atomizing'valve 33 of the pressurized can 30.

The flexible plastic tube 32 extends to the air intake ducting of theengine which I have represented at 29 as shown more clearly in Fig. '5.A strap 32 is fastened around the air intake ducting 29 and is providedwith apertures 22a and 22b therein which respectively receive spraybutton nipple 25 and projection 28a of the spray button body 28 formaintaining the body 28 in position projecting through an aperture 29ain the air intake ducting 29. Strap 22 is secured in position by meansof a strap screw 20 extending through the adjacent ends 21 of the strap'22 and fastened by means of the strap screw nut 19. Thefspray button 28includes an atomizing discharge tube 23 shown more clearly in'Fig. 6terminating ingan orifice shown more clearly in Fig. 1, which issupplied with an atomized spray through a spray button nipple 25connected with the flexible plastic tube 32 through coupling 34. Thespray button nipple 25 encloses a check valve 26 operative against anassociated valve seat under control of check'valve' spring 27. As thepressure enters flexible plastic tube 32 from the pressure supplyexerted by pressurized can 30 valve 26 is displaced to open positionallowingthe spray to be atomized through discharge tube 23'and theorifice therein in an upstream direction spaced from the interior wallof the intake ducting.

The pressurized can 30 is readily insertable in position in the bracket112 with scarcely more than the feel of the installer who may be workingin heavily gloved hands at freezing temperatures. The replacement ofused cans of starting fluid is extremely convenient and theeffectiveness of the atomized spray in the starting of the engines isvery substantial as has heretofore been explained. Fig. 7 shows themethod of replacement where latchhandle 14 is first disengaged from thepress-down wire 15 by detachment of book portion 14a from the end ofloop :15a whereupon a manual force is applied at F to slightly raise thepress-down wire 15 elevating the sealdiaphragm 16 sufliciently to allowthe empty can 30 to be withdrawn from shelf 12a of bracket 12 and afresh can replaced in position whereupon the press-down wire 15 is againsecured in position by engagement of loop 15a and hook portion 14a byoperation of latch-handle 14. The flexibility of seal diaphragm 16 issuflicient to provide the required displacement of press-down wire 15 toallow removal and replacement of the pressurized can 30.

While I have described the valve actuator on the pressurized can asbeing of the press-down type I have disclosed my invention in connectionwith this type of valve for illustrative purposes as I fully appreciatethat my invention is equally applicable for use with pressurizedcontainers having other types of valves, such as the pressforward andside motion type of valve. Accordingly, throughout the claims I havedescribed the actuating valve in the pressurized can generally as anytype of valve to be used in a pressurized container adapted to bemounted in the applicator system of my invention.

While I have described my invention in certain of its preferredembodiments I realize that modifications may be made and I desire thatit be understood that no limitions upon my invention are intended otherthan may be imposed by the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the UnitedStates is as follows:

1. Mounting means for a pressurized fluid container of the typecontaining an annular shoulder disposed concentrically therearound and acentral fluid discharge valve and valve actuator in one end of thecontainer adapted to discharge fluid contents from the pressurizedcontainer by the pressure within the container upon actuation of saidfluid discharge valve, comprising a support for receiving a pressurizedcontainer, a member pivoted on said support and-movable to a positionengaging the annular shoulder of said. container and the said valveactuator of the pressurized container when the container is mounted inthe support, said member including a sealcap engageable with the annularshoulder of the container, a flexible diaphragm supported by saidseal-cap and carrying a nipple discharge member'en'gageable over thedischarge valve actuator of the container, a fluid delivery tubeconnected with said nipple discharge member and displaceable bodily withsaid nipple discharge member and with the flexing of said diaphragm andthe movement of said discharge valve actuator and remote control meansfor actuating said nipple discharge member for correspondingly actuatingsaid discharge valve actuator and effecting the discharge of thepressurized contents of said container through said fluid delivery tube.

2. Mounting means for "a pressurized fluid container of the typecontaining an annular shoulder disposed concentrically therearound and acentral fluid discharge valve and valve actuator in one end of thecontainer and adapted to discharge fluid contents from the pressurizedcontainer by the pressure within the container upon actuation of saidfluiddischargevalve, as set forth in claim 1 in which said nippledischarge member has an external engaging portion, means for actuatingsaid nipple discharge member comprising a lever pivoted at one end onsaid support and bifurcated on the free end thereof and embracing saidfluid delivery tube and bearing upon the external engaging portion ofsaid nipple discharge member, and means operated by said remote controlmeans for moving said lever to a position for actuating said fluiddischarge valve actuator.

3. Mounting means for a pressurized fluid container of the typecontaining an annular shoulder disposed con- 1 centrically therearoundand a central fluid discharge'valve and valve actuator in one end of thecontainer and adapted to discharge fluid contents from the pressurizedcontainer by the pressure within the container upon actuation of saidfluid discharge valve, as set forth in claim 1 in which said seal-cap issupported by a press-down wire pivoted on said support and terminatingin a loop and wherein a latch-handle terminating in a hook portion ispivotally mounted with respect to said support and is displaceable to aposition for connecting the hook portion thereof with said loop forclamping said container to said support.

4. Mounting means for a pressurized fluid container of the typecontaining an annular shoulder disposed concentrically therearound and acentral fluid discharge valve actuator in one end of the container andadapted to discharge fluid contents from the pressurized container bythe pressure within the container upon actuation of said fluid dischargevalve, as set forth in claim 1 in which said pivoted member and saidflexible diaphragm are cumulatively displaceable through a distancesuflicient to allow the insertion and removal of a pressurized containerwith respect to said support.

5. Mounting means for a pressurized fluid container of the typecontaining an annular shoulder disposed concentrically therearound and acentral fluid discharge valve actuator in one end of the container andadapted to discharge fiuid contents from the pressurized container bythe pressure within the container upon actuation of said fluid dischargevalve as set forth in claim 1, in which said means for actuating saidnipple discharge member comprises a lever pivoted at one end to saidsupport and bifurcated on the free end thereof and embracing said fluiddelivery tube and bearing upon the external engaging portion of saidnipple discharge member and a piv-- oted cam having a cam face on oneend operating with respect to said lever and connected at the other endwith said remote control means, said cam face operating to displace saidlever and said discharge valve actuator to selectively discharge fluidfrom said container into said fluid delivery tube.

6. 'Mounting means for a pressurized fluid container of the typecontaining an annular shoulder disposed concentrically therearound and acentral fluid discharge valve and valve actuator in one end of thecontainer and adapted to discharge fluid contents from the pressurizedcontainer by the pressure within the container upon actuation of saidfluid discharge valve, as set forth in claim 1 in which a dischargenozzle is connected with the remote end of said fluid delivery tube witha check valve interposed between said discharge nozzle and the remoteend of said fluid delivery tube, whereby said fluid delivery tuberemainsfilled with starting fluid when said check valve cuts off the passagefrom the remote end of the fluid delivery tube to said discharge nozzle.

(References on following page) References-Cited in the file of thispatent UNITED STATES PATENTS Knapp May '10, 1927 Kochner June 17, 1952 5Pritchard Apr. 26, 1955 Neely May 24, 1955 8 Mean: Oct. 1-1, 1955Marini. Dec. 27, 1955 Dahl Sept. 9, 1958 Burack Dec. 2, 1958 FOREIGNPATENTS Great Britain Mar. 17, 1932

